DENTON Town’s strong finish to the season has given new manager Darren Saville optimism for the 2022-23 campaign.
Since Saville and his assistant Gavin Affleck were elevated to become the first team’s management duo towards the end of March, Town have won three and drawn one of six fixtures in division one of the Cheshire Football League.
It has lifted Town to eighth place, though it is unlikely their three remaining games will take place.
Town have been given a walkover win against Parklands while there are issues relating to the outstanding games, home and away to Blacon Youth.
Saville believes he and Affleck have made great strides in the two months since they took charge at Whittles Park.
They took over one week before the transfer deadline in the wake of an exodus of players.
Saville reflected: “We made about 10 signings because we needed to get numbers up and promoted some from the reserves.
“Since we have taken over, we have had a half-decent run and played all the top teams which was interesting to see how the lads did against the better sides with a view to next season.
“I believe we have the nucleus of a decent squad for next season.”
Saville and Affleck have a team meeting planned for the end of May to discuss plans for next season.
“From our conversations, I would say 95 per cent of the players are on board for next season,” he said.
“Of the couple of players who are undecided, one is due to a niggling knee injury which he wants to resolve.
“The players have all bought into what we are trying to achieve, and the dressing room banter is really good.”
Saville added there is a good spirit in the group after what has been a season of great upheaval at the club.
It began with Phill Cooper and Dave Pollard as joint managers. When Cooper quit, Pollard took sole command only to resign after three matches.
Town are advertising for a reserve-team manager as Saville and Affleck have also been doing that job since taking over first-team duties.
Pitch maintenance work at Whittles Park is underway with £5,000 being spent to get the surface in top condition for next season.
• Denton Town recorded an emphatic 9-1 victory against Mersey Clipper in the semi-finals of the Cheshire Veterans League’s Chairmans Cup, Danny Williams scoring five of the goals.
The team, which finished third in the league, will play Chorlton side Unicorn Athletic in the final on Sunday, June 12 (11am) at Old Altrinchamians’ Crossford Bridge Sports Ground, Sale.